AUSTRALIA – Captain Ricky Ponting says
an improving West Indies line-up led by a strong attack will threaten his new-look Australia squad in the three-Test series starting in the Caribbean this month.

The Australians departed for the West Indies yesterday and Ponting said he expected a tougher contest than when Australia beat a team led by Shivnarine Chanderpaul 3-0 in 2005-2006.

"I think of late they have probably played
a little bit better and I think they are starting to turn things around there
a little bit better at the moment," Ponting said.

"Their bowling attack, probably in particular,
is definitely a lot stronger than the last time
we played them
in Test cricket."

West Indies are coming off a 1-1 draw at home to Sri Lanka earlier this year, that followed a 2-1 defeat in South Africa in late 2007. Australia lost their air of invulnerability during their home summer when they secured a 2-1 victory in a tight contest against India, who came after a 2-0 win over Sri Lanka.

The Test group, which already had a fresh look following the retirements of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn, will now have a new wicketkeeper as well for the first time in nearly a decade as Brad Haddin takes over from Adam Gilchrist.

However, Ponting was confident his men could build on their efforts from 2007-2008.

"As always, they
[West Indies] will pose
a bit of a threat in their home conditions. But saying that, I think with some fresher faces around our group, as well as a bit of a change of personnel from the last [Test] game that we played. I think it's a really good opportunity for this team to keep forging its own identity."

Ponting said the team was refreshed after having several weeks off, which for some players involved a stint in the Indian Premier League ahead
of their training camp in Brisbane over the past week.

Australia will be without Michael Clarke for the start of the tour
as a result of the serious condition of his fiancé's father. (CRICINFO)